Articles tagged with Kidney
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a likely cause of kidney transplant rejection: antibodies attacking MICA antigens. The study found that patients who showed the most marked effect from these antibodies were those considered high-risk for clinical transplantation.
Researchers have identified potential targets for ALS treatment by studying SOD1 gene mutations. Additionally, a new study on Candida parapsilosis has revealed that lipase is an essential virulence factor. Further research suggests that the timing of treatment with immune-modifying drugs can significantly impact viral infection outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome have highly acidic urine, which increases the risk of developing uric-acid kidney stones. This association was independent of age and renal function, suggesting a link between metabolic syndrome components and increased acidity in urine.
Scientists at Lund University have found a genetic basis for severe urinary tract infections, suggesting a gene that regulates the immune system may be used as a risk marker. This discovery could enable early detection of susceptible individuals, potentially reducing unnecessary examinations and treatment.
Scientists discovered that genetic variations do not negatively affect the efficacy of fluvastatin in renal transplant patients. Additionally, researchers created synthetic lipids called pseudoceramides to treat skin diseases and found them to significantly increase protein production when skin cells differentiate.
A study found that individuals with suppressed immune systems, such as kidney transplant patients and those with HIV, have a higher incidence of squamous cell eye cancer. Residence in subtropical regions and prior history of skin cancer were also associated with increased risk.
Women with diabetes lose protective effect of estrogen on kidneys, which normally reduces risk of chronic kidney disease. Research suggests that hormone ratio rather than absolute levels determines impact on diabetic kidney disease.
The Indiana University School of Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $6 million grant to continue developing advanced light microscopy systems for kidney research. The center will incorporate four core projects, including the development of quantitative analysis tools and techniques to image deeper tissues.
Research suggests that female gender is associated with slower progression rates in certain renal diseases, possibly due to the protective effects of estrogen on kidney health. Estrogen inhibits the activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which promotes scarring in the kidneys.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be 93% effective in eradicating malignant kidney tumors, with minimal discomfort and no serious complications. The study's lead author suggests this treatment is an excellent option for patients who are not good operative candidates or have multiple renal tumors.
Researchers have identified a potential biomarker, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children. The study found that uNGAL levels increased 48 hours before a jump in serum creatinine levels, suggesting its potential as an early warning system for AKI preven...
Researchers have discovered that combining two blood pressure-lowering drugs with enzyme replacement therapy can slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with severe Fabry disease. The study found significant reductions in proteinuria and minimal decline in kidney function after an average of two and a half years' treatment.
Researchers have identified a gene, GLIS2, that protects against a serious kidney disease called nephronopthisis. Mutations in this gene cause the disease, which leads to kidney degeneration and failure.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered that high levels of cystatin C can predict an increased risk of developing pre-diabetes. The study, based on the Western New York Health Study, found a three-fold association between cystatin C levels and progression to pre-diabetes.
Researchers found that thousands of tiny particles are released during angioplasty and stenting, which can impair kidney function. The study suggests that new devices may prevent debris release and improve patient outcomes.
Endurance exercise experts recommend limiting fluid intake during prolonged activities to prevent exercise-induced hyponatremia (EAH), a potentially lethal water intoxication. Excess drinking can lead to diluted sodium levels in the blood, posing risk to athletes engaging in 4-hour or longer endurance events.
A new algorithm developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers can create matches for three- and four-way kidney exchanges, increasing the efficiency of kidney exchanges. The algorithm has already been used by the Alliance for Paired Donation, a kidney exchange program, to identify potential transplants and improve transplant rates.
Two studies identify interactions between heart disease and kidney disease, revealing that anemia, microalbuminuria, and declining eGFR are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The findings highlight the importance of screening and intervention for patients at high risk of kidney disease.
A new imaging technique using Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye helps surgeons precisely remove cancerous tumors from the kidney while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. This innovation allows for more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a treatment strategy for hereditary inclusion body myopathy, a rare muscle disease, based on clues from transgenic mice. The approach also may benefit patients with certain kidney disorders.
Researchers found that early treatment with ACE inhibitors can preserve kidney function and reduce the risk of irreversible damage in young patients with early-stage IgA nephropathy. The study suggests that starting treatment early may limit the need for renal replacement therapy.
Researchers found that while both treatments showed promise, treatment 2 was associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence and shingles. The study suggests that patients should be thoroughly informed about the pros and cons of each treatment to make an informed decision.
A recent study found that obesity is a significant barrier to living kidney donation among African Americans, with over 30% of black donors excluded due to obesity. Social reasons, including failure to complete the donor evaluation process, also contribute to the low rates of donation.
Preserving kidneys on a portable pump may improve initial function, reduce viral infections, and promote more organ sharing. The study found similar survival outcomes for patients receiving machine-preserved or cold-stored organs from older deceased donors.
The study found that females have higher levels of nitric oxide synthase, which may contribute to their lower risk of kidney disease. In contrast, males have more AT1 receptors that enable angiotensin 2 to cause damage, leading to a greater risk of hypertension and kidney injury.
A Yale University researcher has discovered a Chinese medicinal compound that prevents the formation of cysts in a mouse model of polycystic kidney disease. The compound, triptolide, slowed down cyst growth by 10 percent annually, which could lead to a significant clinical benefit for patients.
A new immunosuppression regimen for heart transplant patients has been found to improve kidney function and prevent transplant coronary artery disease. The study, led by Sudhir Kushwaha, used sirolimus as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, with consistent improvement in kidney function in stable patients.
Pierre Ronco received the ISN Jean Hamburger Award for his groundbreaking work in clinical and translational nephrology, particularly in glomerular disease. Rashad Barsoum was awarded the Roscoe R. Robinson Award for his tireless efforts to educate nephrologists globally and advance the field of nephrology.
A new, nanoporous ceramic filter developed by Lehigh University engineers could make dialysis sessions more efficient and shorter. The filter promises to double the amount of toxins removed during dialysis and increase glomular filtration rate (GFR), leading to improved mortality rates and quality of life for patients.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that cryoablation is an effective treatment option for patients who are not good candidates for surgery due to size or location of the tumor. The procedure involves freezing the tumor with argon gas, resulting in short-term success in over 90% of selected patients.
Researchers design novel peptide-based drug to lower high blood pressure, targeting B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone, and create hybrid molecule for treating both heart and kidney impairment in acute heart failure.
A recent study found that combining a platelet inhibitor with an embolic protection device improves renal function in patients undergoing renal artery stenting. The use of abciximab reduced the occurrence of platelet-rich thrombi, while Angioguard alone was not associated with improved outcomes.
NIST has created a new Standard Reference Material (SRM) to help diagnose chronic kidney disease more accurately. The SRM consists of frozen human blood serum with two different concentrations of creatinine, which is a metabolic by-product of muscles.
Urologists are urging transport companies and family doctors to develop strict guidelines for staff with kidney stones, as sudden attacks can cause debilitating pain and pose safety risks. The authors have devised their own guidelines, but stress the need for governing bodies to create formal ones.
Researchers at Yale University have identified triptolide, a compound from Traditional Chinese Medicines, as a potential drug for treating polycystic kidney disease. The study shows that triptolide causes cell growth arrest and reduces cyst formation in mouse models of the disease.
Researchers at Emory University have developed an algorithm that can predict which sensitized patients on the national waiting list for kidney transplants are compatible with a given donor. This new method, based on innovative technology, has increased transplant rates from 15% to 25% in highly sensitized patients.
A research team has identified a protective gene variant that may help prevent severe kidney failure in people with diabetes. The discovery could lead to novel treatment approaches for susceptible individuals, as well as a new marker for identifying those at increased risk of future kidney disease.
A new model could give an additional 10% of waiting list patients access to organs for transplant while reducing discarded kidneys from 11-15% to 3%. The system aims to achieve a better balance between efficiency and equity in kidney transplantation.
A new study by Michigan Medicine shows that 97% of children with pediatric renovascular hypertension respond positively to surgery, and 70% are cured completely. Surgery can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life for children with this rare but potentially fatal condition.
A protein called DLGH1 has been found to guide the orientation of smooth muscle cells surrounding the ureter, which pumps urine from the kidney to the bladder. The study suggests that dysfunction of this protein may increase the risk of kidney failure in humans.
A $1.7 billion North American study aims to answer whether reopening narrowed kidney arteries benefits patients. Researchers will compare medical management with medicines coupled with stents, stainless steel scaffolds inserted into blood vessels.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic isolated nanoparticles from human kidney stones in cell cultures, identifying proteins, RNA, and DNA linked to nanoparticles. The findings suggest that nanoparticles may play a role in the development of kidney stones.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends assessing kidney function, ensuring patient hydration, and minimizing NSAID use to lower the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. CIN is estimated to occur in 1-3% of individuals undergoing procedures with contrast dyes.
Researchers discovered a new gene in the gulf pipefish that codes for an astacin protein, previously associated with kidney and liver function. This protein may have evolved to support male pregnancy in this species, a mystery in evolutionary biology.
A study of over 2,000 kidney transplant patients in the Netherlands found that obese individuals were twice as likely to die within the first year or experience graft failure. This is attributed to a higher incidence of infections and fatal heart conditions among obese patients.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that anti-thymocyte globulin reduces acute rejection incidence by 15.6% compared to basiliximab in high-risk kidney transplant patients. The treatment is expected to save millions of dollars in healthcare costs by preventing immune attacks and organ loss.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered an enzyme called ACE2 that may hold the potential to treat diabetic kidney disease. Studies suggest that increasing ACE2 levels in the kidneys could reverse or prevent kidney disease from developing.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that long-term use of topiramate can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stones due to metabolic acidosis and changes in urine pH and citrate levels. The study suggests a need for further research on optimal measures to prevent kidney-stone formation with topiramate use.
A new analysis of over 5 million hospital discharges found a significant increase in kidney damage after coronary artery bypass surgery, but a decrease in mortality rate. The study suggests that current prevention strategies may not be effective and more research is needed to identify susceptible patients and effective treatments.
St. Jude researchers discover that the Six2 gene prevents kidney stem cells from differentiating, maintaining a source of undifferentiated stem cells needed for kidney growth. The absence of Six2 leads to smaller, non-functional kidneys in developing mice.
A Hopkins study reveals that T lymphocytes, part of the immune system, play a dual role in organ damage after transplantation. While they produce toxic chemicals that contribute to IRI, they also appear to protect transplanted kidneys from damage. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing or rapidly treating IRI.
The incidence of kidney cancer has risen over the past two decades, with small renal masses accounting for most cases. Despite increased surgeries, mortality rates have not decreased, suggesting that current treatments may not be effective for these slow-growing tumors.
A retrospective study by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center suggests that radical nephrectomy is a significant risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease. Patients who underwent partial nephrectomy had a lower rate of chronic kidney disease and better kidney function after surgery.
Katie Lee Joel joins forces with experts to promote low-phosphorus cooking, sharing six new recipes to honor her grandfather's memory and help patients manage chronic kidney disease. The Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods program aims to show that kidney-friendly foods don't have to be boring.
A daily glass of orange juice can boost citrate levels in the urine and reduce crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate, two common ingredients in kidney stones. In contrast, lemonade did not increase citrate levels, suggesting that its constituents counteract the beneficial effects of high citrate content.
Researchers found that combined liver-kidney transplants improved patient survival rates compared to separate transplants. Patients who received dialysis for longer than two months before surgery also recovered better after the combined transplant.
A combined liver and kidney transplant has been shown to improve patient survival rates for those with dual organ disease, including hepatorenal syndrome. The study found that patients who underwent dialysis for longer than two months prior to surgery fared better after the combined transplant.
A new kidney test, cystatin C, has been found to accurately predict higher risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and death among elderly people. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that a normal creatinine level should not reassure patients of normal kidney function.
A genetic mutation in a kidney structure has been linked to protein leakage into the urine, leading to kidney failure. Researchers found that the glomerular basement membrane normally retains blood proteins, while another structure plays a role in regulating their concentration.
A national study of 304 physicians reveals primary care doctors often fail to diagnose and refer patients with chronic kidney disease, a condition affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. The study suggests that early detection and referral can slow the progression of kidney disease in high-risk patients.